8 Days

Choice events for the week of 06.26–07.03

Descanso Gardens’ annual Music on the Main summer jazz series, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, features jazz drummer Dave Tull and his band starting at 6 p.m. The series continues Thursdays through Aug. 21. Admission is free with Descanso admission of $9 general, $6 for seniors and students, $4 for children 5 to 12, free for children younger than 4. Call (818) 949-4200 or visit descansogardens.org.

Friday 06.27.14

California Contemporary Ballet presents the Hans Christian Andersen story “Thumbelina,” about the tiny fairy who is stolen away to a swamp by an evil toad and is rescued by a handsome prince. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Glendale Community College Theater, 1500 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale. Tickets are $20 to $30. Call (818) 583-7406 or visit calballet.com.

Saturday 06.28.14

The California Philharmonic season opens at Santa Anita Park, 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, with “John Williams and Friends.” Maestro Victor Vener and the orchestra perform some of Williams’ scores, including music from “Star Wars,” “E.T.,” “Jaws” and “Jurassic Park.” Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $20 to $88. Call (626) 300-8200 or (626) 304-0333 or visit calphil.com.

Pasadena mystery novelists Chuck Greaves and Naomi Hirahara discuss their work in which they make Pasadena the scene of their stories, starting with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by a discussion and Q&A at 7 p.m. at Pasadena Public Library’s Central Branch, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena. Call (626) 744-4066 or visit pasadenapubliclibrary.net.

The Levitt Pavilion Summer Music Festival features a children’s musical performance by the band Rhythm Child at 7 p.m. at Memorial Park, North Raymond Avenue and Walnut Street, Pasadena. Call (626) 683-3230 or visit levittpavilionpasadena.org.

Thursday 07.03.14

The Theatre @ Boston Court’s production of “Stupid Fucking Bird” is an irreverent take on Chekhov’s “The Seagull” in which everyone involved learns how disappointing life, art and growing up can be. It starts at 8 p.m. at 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. Tickets are $34. Call (626) 683-6883 or visit bostoncourt.com.